With the news about the terrorist attack on mosques in New Zealand, my mind went to books I could share with students. The books that would help them better understand the wearing of a hijab. The books that would help them better understand what it means when they hear the word Muslim or Islam. The books that would help them better understand that there are Muslim authors in this country writing books for them to read. The books that would help them better understand that our library is an inclusive space. The books that would help them better understand the heart of the people instead of the hate from the headlines. The books that would help them better understand that we are not talking about an “other” but a “someone”. Because that is the power of books. They grow understanding and empathy, and if we are critical about representation and are intentional about what and when we share and promote them, they can grow a better society. So I’m sharing some recommendations of kidlit books by Muslim authors and illustrators. I hope you find titles to read and share on these lists.
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| Yo Soy Muslim, Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Saffron Ice Cream, Mommy’s Khimar, Under My Hijab, Malala’s Magic Pencil, Stepping Stones, Salam Alaikum, The Proudest Blue, Bilal Cooks Daal, Leila in Saffron |
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| Early Chapter Books: Meet Yasmin (series), Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream (trilogy). Middle Grade Novels: Amina’s Voice, The Gauntlet, Amal Unbound, Other Words for Home |
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| Love From A To Z, Saints & Misfits, Internment, Love Hate & Other Filters, Shatter Me (series), Written in the Stars, A Land of Permanent Goodbyes, The Secret Sky, An Ember in the Ashes (series), A Very Large Expanse of Sea, & on my TBR: Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, The Candle and the Flame |
